Ferrari 12Cilindri: The V12 Lives On

In an era dominated by electrification and turbochargers, Ferrari has made a bold statement with the release of the 12Cilindri. Pronounced “dodici cilindri,” the name translates literally to “12 cylinders.” This car serves as a direct successor to the 812 Superfast and stands as a defiant tribute to the naturally aspirated engine. For enthusiasts and collectors, the arrival of this grand tourer signals that the roar of the V12 is not extinct just yet.

The Heart of the Machine: 819 Horsepower

The defining feature of the 12Cilindri is what lies beneath the front-hinged “cofango” hood. Ferrari resisted the industry pressure to add hybrid assistance or turbochargers. Instead, they refined their legendary F140 V12 architecture to create something mechanical and pure.

Engine Specifications

The 6.5-liter V12 engine, codenamed F140HD, is a marvel of modern engineering. It produces a staggering 819 horsepower (830 cv) at 9,250 rpm. The redline screams all the way to 9,500 rpm, offering a soundtrack that few modern cars can replicate.

Key performance metrics include:

  • Torque: 500 lb-ft at 7,250 rpm, with 80% of that torque available at just 2,500 rpm.
  • Acceleration: 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes just 2.9 seconds.
  • Top Speed: The car exceeds 211 mph (340 km/h).
  • Transmission: An 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear, which shifts 30% faster than the previous 812 transmission.

Ferrari achieved these numbers by using titanium connecting rods, lighter pistons, and a rebalanced crankshaft. These components reduce weight and inertia, allowing the engine to spin up with incredible speed.

Design Inspiration: A Nod to the Daytona

While the engine looks to the past for its mechanical purity, the exterior design takes heavy inspiration from the late 1960s. The 12Cilindri features a distinct black band across the nose that connects the headlights. This is a direct visual reference to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

The styling is cleaner and more sophisticated than the aggressive 812 Superfast. Ferrari’s design center in Maranello opted for smooth lines and muscular flanks rather than massive vents and spoilers.

Active Aerodynamics

Despite the clean look, the car produces significant downforce. The rear section features two active flaps on the corners of the trunk lid.

  • Low Drag Mode: Up to 37 mph, or above 186 mph, the flaps remain flush with the body to reduce air resistance.
  • High Downforce Mode: Between those speeds, and depending on lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the flaps raise to stabilize the car during cornering and braking.

Interior Technology and the "Dual Cockpit"

The cabin of the 12Cilindri marks a departure from older Ferrari grand tourers. The design philosophy creates a “dual cockpit” effect, giving the passenger nearly as much engagement as the driver. The dashboard is nearly symmetrical, separated by a central tunnel and console.

The technology suite includes three separate screens:

  1. Driver Display: A massive 15.6-inch digital gauge cluster that handles all vital driving information.
  2. Central Screen: A 10.25-inch touchscreen located low in the center of the dash for climate control and media.
  3. Passenger Display: An 8.8-inch screen that allows the passenger to view performance data, change music, or adjust navigation settings.

Ferrari includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. For audiophiles, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system is available as an option, delivering 1,600 watts of power.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

Ferrari shortened the wheelbase by 20 millimeters compared to the 812 Superfast. A shorter wheelbase typically makes a car more agile and eager to change direction. To ensure stability, the 12Cilindri employs Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0 technology, which is Ferrari’s proprietary four-wheel steering system.

The rear wheels can turn independently of each other. This improves cornering sharpness on winding roads and stability during high-speed lane changes. The car also utilizes Side Slip Control 8.0, a software system that estimates tire grip levels in real-time to optimize traction control and braking intervention.

The braking system uses a “brake-by-wire” setup, similar to the 296 GTB. This removes the physical connection between the pedal and the hydraulics, allowing the computer to modulate pedal feel and braking force with extreme precision.

Pricing and Availability

The Ferrari 12Cilindri is available in two body styles: the standard Berlinetta (coupe) and the Spider (convertible). The Spider features a retractable hard top that can open or close in just 14 seconds at speeds up to 28 mph.

While official U.S. pricing varies by dealership and options, the European launch prices provide a clear baseline:

  • 12Cilindri Coupe: Starts at approximately €395,000 (roughly $423,000 USD).
  • 12Cilindri Spider: Starts at approximately €435,000 (roughly $466,000 USD).

Deliveries for the coupe are expected to begin in late 2024 for European markets, with U.S. deliveries likely following in early 2025. The Spider models will arrive slightly later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ferrari 12Cilindri a hybrid? No. The 12Cilindri is powered exclusively by a naturally aspirated V12 engine. It does not use electric motors or battery packs for propulsion.

What car does the 12Cilindri replace? It replaces the Ferrari 812 Superfast in the lineup as the brand’s flagship front-engine V12 grand tourer.

How many 12Cilindri cars will be made? Ferrari has not announced a specific production cap for the 12Cilindri. However, like all V12 models, production will be naturally limited by the manufacturing capacity in Maranello and the eventual end of the model’s lifecycle.

Does the 12Cilindri have a manual transmission? No. The car is equipped solely with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Ferrari has not produced a manual transmission car since the California and 599 GTB era.